Cape Breton security company implements calming uniform

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SYDNEY — A Cape Breton security company is redefining how it presents itself to some patients in the hospital setting with a new calming uniform.

Sentry Security & Investigations Inc. has adopted a light blue scrub-style uniform for patients on medical floors.

The uniforms still identify them as security officers, but they blend in with the care setting, said Peter Smits, one of three co-owners of the Sydney-based company.

“We completely revamped the uniform to be less aggressive and more designed for patient care,” he said. “We feel we are ahead of the curve in taking on the initiative. We feel our uniform is a step up from the generic aggressive uniform or enforcement uniform.”

Smits said the intent was for the uniform to be less triggering for some patients.

Among their duties, the security staff sit with some patients including people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. Smits said besides the uniform, the company is providing specialized training.

Smits said the new uniform was put into effect a couple of months ago and it’s gotten positive reviews so far.

“My team of owners knew there was a change that needed to happen,” he said.

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Keltic Clothing designed the uniforms based on Sentry’s request.

“We’re leading the pack on this,” said Ian Townsend, who along with Terry MacDonald are partners in the business with Smits.

The company employs 125 staff and several are wearing the uniform so far, but there will eventually be 50-70 who would wear it instead of regular security gear. Certain departments will still require the regular uniform.

“Our main theme is we care about the patients and what is best for them. That is why we went forward with trying to design a uniform to make it easier for everybody. We’re hoping it’s going to be a trend in Nova Scotia,” Townsend said.

“This is the first we’ve ever heard of it.”

Nova Scotia Health in a statement said it is committed to patient-centred care in its facilities and is pleased to see Sentry Security implementing these new uniforms to improve patient support and care.